Cuddy-cabin boats like the 25' 11" (7.9 m) LOA Cobalt 243 make excellent dayboats, with the added advantage of basic accommodations. But most cuddies have a major drawback: The head is placed between, or at the foot of, the V-berth, where privacy is non-existent if two people are sharing the cabin. Not so aboard the Cobalt 243, which has an innovative enclosed head compartment separate from the cuddy and directly accessible from the cockpit.

Specifications

Cobalt 243 (2011-) Specifications

Length Overall

25' 11'' 7.90 m

Dry Weight

4,600 lbs. 2,087 kg

Beam

8' 6'' 2.59 m

Tested Weight

N/A

Draft

37'' .94 m

Fuel Cap

50 gal. 189 L

Deadrise/Transom

21 deg.

Water Cap

10 gal. 38 L

Max Headroom

N/A

Bridge Clearance

8' 2'' 2.49 m w/arch

Prices, features, designs, and equipment are subject to change. Please see your local dealer or visit the builder's website for the latest information available on this boat model.

Engine Options

Cobalt 243 (2011-) Captain's Report

The Cobalt 243 rides on a straight V-bottom hull with 21 degrees of transom deadrise that should make her comfortable running fast in choppy water. Two opening ports in the hull are standard, providing light and air to the cabin; a second pair are optional, as shown here – one opens into the head compartment, the other provides extra cabin ventilation.

Thinking A-Head

Most cuddy-cabin boats carry the head in the cuddy, but Cobalt built a separate compartment, with entry from the cockpit. It takes away some room from the cabin, but so would a head mounted down there; we think the privacy is well worth the tradeoff. Dual sliding doors serve both the companionway and the head: Slide both to starboard to enter the head, both to port to open the companionway, or separate them to close both compartments. Cobalt installs a Porta-Potti as standard, but will upgrade to a built-in electric head as a option. A sink is also optional.

Looks like a standard companionway at first glance, right? With both doors slid to port, the cabin is open, the head closed. We also like Cobalt's upholstered dash, with a clear instrument array and a black leather and stainless wheel. Wood trim is optional.

Sliding both doors to starboard closes the cabin but opens the head. This boat has the optional sink and console, and the extra opening port in the hull – we think it should be standard. We like the stainless handrail, which also provides windshield support.

Flip-Down Swim Step

The Cobalt 243 has an extended, low-level swim platform for easy access from the water; naturally, it comes standard with a ladder. However, Cobalt has designed a flip-down swim step – essentially a mini-platform – that's even better. When open, it sits below the surface, so folks can use it as a step for easier reboarding or as a seat to enjoy the cool water on a hot summer day. The step, an option, comes with or without its own ladder.

Cobalt's patented flip-out swim step makes it easier to climb out of the water. Here, it's on a Cobalt 242 – but it's the same aboard the 243. It's optional, but we think worth it if you enjoy swimming from the boat. The platform comes with or without a ladder.

Robust Construction

Some boats of this size and type are built using rudimentary construction techniques, but Cobalt uses first-class technology. The hand-laid fiberglass hull is reinforced with Kevlar where appropriate for extra strength, and supported by fiberglass stringers and a composite transom. The fiberglass liner incorporates a honeycomb-reinforced cockpit sole; the honeycomb core makes the sole very stiff but keeps it light, too. All graphics are done in gelcoat, not decals or tape.

The cockpit is nicely designed, appointed and finished, in Cobalt style. The back of the bench seat flips forward or aft to create a seat or sun lounge. Cockpit options include a dinette table, sink and even a heater. Shore power is also optional.

Cobalt covers the 243 with a 10-year hull and deck warranty, a five-year engine warranty and a three-year gelcoat and upholstery warranty. All are transferable to subsequent owners.

The 243's cabin has an eight-foot berth and 54" headroom. Upholstery is Soft Touch vinyl. A table is optional; it doubles as a berth filler.

Prices and Our Opinion

Pricewise the Cobalt 243 is close to the top of the range – MSRP starts at $82,610 with a 300-hp Volvo Penta 5.7 GiC DP, and rises to $102,338 with the most powerful engine, the 430-hp MerCruiser 8.2 Mag HO Bravo. We haven't tested the 243, but Cobalt claims speeds between 45–48 mph (72–77 kph) with the Volvo, 56–59 mph (90–95 kph) with the big Merc. There are other power options from both engine builders.

There's no question the 243 is a top-of-the-line boat; Cobalt is known for building high-quality, well-appointed vessels, enjoys strong owner loyalty and has won a slew of J. D. Power customer-satisfaction awards. But the company faces strong competition from Formula, Chaparral, Four Winns and other companies that also build excellent boats. Getting there is half the fun, so spend lots of time at boat shows and visiting dealers and pick the boat that's just right for you. We wouldn't be surprised if the Cobalt 243 comes in "a-head" of the others.

Standard and Optional Equipment

Cobalt 243 (2011-) Standard and Optional Equipment

Marine Electronics

GPS/Chart

Systems

CD Stereo

Head: Portable

Head: Fixed

Trim Tabs

TV/DVD

Windlass

Exterior Features

Outlet: 12-Volt Acc

Swim Ladder

Swim Platform

Tower: Watersports

Transom Shower

Canvas

Bimini Top

Cockpit Cover

= Standard = Optional

Cobalt 243 (2011-) Warranty

Cobalt 243 (2011-) Warranty Information

Warranties change from time to time. While BoatTEST.com has tried to ensure the most up-to-date warranty offered by each builder, it does not guarantee the accuracies of the information presented below. Please check with the boat builder or your local dealer before you buy any boat.

Full Warranty Information on this brand coming soon!

Cobalt 243 (2011-) Price

Cobalt 243 (2011-) Price

Pricing Range

$82,610.00

Prices, features, designs, and equipment are subject to change. Please see your local dealer or visit the builder's website for the latest information available on this boat model.